just running.

New Normal

How’s everyone’s weekend treating them so far? After a stressful day of apartment hunting yesterday, I had a low key night at home with wine and a movie. Not exactly a thrilling Friday night, but it was just what I needed.

I was up at 6 AM to tackle a 7+ mile run this morning before the heat of the day set in. It was one of the best runs I’ve had in a long time, and I wasn’t upset at all that I got up so early on my Saturday to get it done. I also needed some quiet time with myself to just reflect and relax a little, but more on that in a sec.

I made a quick stop at the store on my way home, then swept, dusted, and vacuumed my apartment. I love productive mornings!

By the time I finished my chores, I was ready for a tasty breakfast. Although I tend to favor sweeter breakfasts, running usually turns my tastes toward the savory, and this morning was no exception.

Healthified McMuffin anyone???

This was so simple, but soooo good! I made an egg white patty in the microwave and topped it with turkey bacon, havarti cheese, tomato, and fresh basil, and piled the whole thing on a toasty English muffin. Hello yummers!

A great run, a clean apartment, and a delicious breakfast?! Yep, I’d say that’s a pretty decent morning. I’ll take it!

This morning on my run, I thought a lot about the last few weeks. So much has been going on, and I haven’t written much on the blog about how I’ve been feeling. As tends to happen when I’m running, my mind is usually all over the place, so I’ll try my best to organize my thoughts in a somewhat coherent fashion. Let’s not hold our breath now.

First of all, work is pretty great. Yep, it’s stressful and sometimes frustrating and occasionally overwhelming, but I also kind of love it. The other day, I was feeling particularly annoyed that I couldn’t concentrate because it was noisy in the office, and I stopped myself. Because really—I am so lucky. SO lucky. I finally have a job I’ve always wanted. And no, it’s not going to be perfect all the time, but I really want to focus on appreciating what I have and enjoying the ride, rather than finding something to complain about. Again—progress.

{Is that not the cheesiest picture ever???}

Then, there’s this whole body image thing I’ve had going on lately. I’m not sure exactly why, but I have been seriously hard on myself in the last few weeks. I don’t make comments to other people, but I’ve had negative thoughts nearly every time I look in the mirror. I don’t know why I’m being so critical, but I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that I’ve been traveling, which has thrown off my eating and workouts. That, along with the stress of the new job, plus the whole week-long sickness thing, is taking its toll. I’m working really hard to focus on the things I like about myself rather than the negatives.

Hey, muscles! I like you!

In general, I think I’ve just been all over the place for the last several weeks. My routine is off, and I’m figuring out what this next phase of my life is going to be like. Finding a new normal is going to take some time, but I know I’ll get there.

You need to pass some of that good run love on to me. I had another crappy one this morning and wrote a book about it. I’m trying to turn that book into a short story, but it’s not working. :-)

I always find it hard to imagine that people who are naturally thin (like you) have poor body images sometimes. For some reason I always think that’s left to those of us who struggle to maintain our weight everyday (like me). I guess we really are our own worst critics. Take it from this girl…you look fabulous!

It was a long time coming. I hadn’t had a good run in over a month! :/

Thanks for the nice words. It’s funny because I *do* feel like I struggle to maintain my weight. I guess we all just get inside our own heads sometimes. I have always felt like I don’t have a good sense of myself in terms of body image, regardless of my weight. I’m blaming crazy woman brain.

I love reflective runs when you get a chance to sort out your thoughts and feelings. One of the main reasons that I run!
And please keep focusing on the good and push those negative feelings aside, because you know what? You look beautiful and healthy and down right fabulous!
Also – your breakfast: be still my beating heart. I want one. Looks. So. Yummy!

I’ve also been having some less than positive body image thoughts lately — it must have a lot to do with the transitions we’re going through right now! I’m sure that as you find your new normal, when you look in the mirror, you’ll see what everyone else sees — gorgeous, glowing perfection!! Lots of love!!

Wow, it’s crazy that you’ve been feeling the same things because I was just thinking, “I wish I could be positive and happy like Kristen! She is always so upbeat!” I guess you never know what’s going on in someone else’s head!

oh hi.

Hi, I'm Melissa JoAnn--hence the Hungry Healthy MJ url up there. This blog used to be about cooking and running. Now it's about . . . well, whatever happens to run through my mind on any given day, but mostly just my training. Hope you enjoy reading along as I navigate my way through the wonderful world of marathon training.